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Adventure 950
Hi ppl
Doe anyone knows details about this new overlander(?)? 350 - 400 km per 100 km is a good fuel consumption for such an engine. Ktm as racks and luggage boxes as optional what is good. and about price? i guess one can say it's a LC4 Adventure's upgrade and not a 'Varadero' look like asfalt tourer...isn'it? it has the same strong and imponent look, and agile beside its size....replies accepted....post your opinion please!! thanks |
My advise is: "too much stuff"...
Here in Italy the most of the trails are very narrow, so you get the offroad beast and you automatically forget any good offroad... Mutch better my LC4 '01... it can be usefull to go from Italy in a tour of Spain, meet a lot of usenet friends, then reach Granada, drop luggage in the hotel and youre readi for a "merry go round" on the trails of the 6 days Enduro.... slowly, carefully, but you' re ready... Next day you can force your spouse to get her heavily modified Dominator and again... from 500 to 2300 a.s.l. light trail riding... Then again tourer, until you're back to Italy crossing all the "piel de toro" country, France, little ligth offroad on Pirynees and Alps... all in 10 days... With such a beast, maybe my beloved wife's NX650 would be a little short, or the fourth gear useless on the 950... ... I'm little affraid about affordability of the new engine... I've already made my part in beta test for KTM on my old ADV '00, so I'll let the honour of testing it to anyone else! ;-) Cheers Badwolf (aka Pietro) ------------------ Pietro Tosetti (KTM EGS 640 Adventure R 2001 "PRIS") & Patrizia Coari (Honda Dominator 650 "Brontolo") Milano - GFC 23 & 24 - EChM 499 <A HREF="http://www.pitpat.it A" TARGET=_blank>http://www.pitpat.it A</A> volte un atteggiamento rigido e' conseguenza di una paralisi. |
Hi,
It looks like a fantastic beast, but I think pietros correct. I find the LC4 Adventure great for dirt and longer, straightish, undulating terrain, and then it still has loads of torque. On tight, twisty off road terrain, the long wheelbase, high torque and heavy weight (compared to a trails bike) make it a bit heavy to handle.. But then I'm not experienced and do have road tyres on - but it does comes from a desert racer design i.e. long straight high speed terrain. I think the 950 Adventure will make an excellent overlanding bike for tarmac and dirt roads/tracks. His point about the first release reliability may be worth some. Generally, the bugs need to be ironed out, perhaps not the KTM ones, but the third party add-ons. Maybe test for a year in Europe, then head off to place's further a field? Regards James |
I think one thing you will need to think about is comfort factor if you are going to be doing serious miles.
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To help this new thread quickly lengthen, here's my tusen's worth:
I like this bike. After losing hair and sleep for two years thinking "which bike, which bike," lofting and jettisoning one bike after another, I think the 950 KTM is my final choice. Consider - "low" S/H of only 88 cm, broader seat, vibration-smoothing twin-cylinder engine, lighter than an equivalent BMW GS, raced and road-tested even before it hits the showroom ... As its advertising tag goes, I consider it to be the ultimate - for now, if not for ever - all-terrain bike and then some. It is a natural, evolutionary step up from the 640 Adventure, adding to rather than replacing it. The 2003 640 S/H has been increased to 945 cm as a contra to the 950 sporting a lower seat. The 950 is the first KTM bike offering a sub-90 cm S/H, drawing back, I'm sure, riders who had shied away from them for their tallish seats, myself included. Some riders might feel it is too much of a bike, so is the BMW GS. They are in THAT category of bikes. If you want a non-frilled bike, look at the next stand. Too much plastic dressups? They are there for a purpose, but if desperate, I'm sure they can be removed, stored and put back on as the fancy takes,what? Expensive? Sure. It is up there with Caponord, Varadero, 1150 GS, etc. My money is it will go down as a cult bike carving its own niche and faithful following over the years just as the Beemies, Kawas and the rest of them. Now where's my check book. |
Hi there - for anyone who's interested here a fact-sheet:
http://enduronet.baboons.de/content....OC_2359&page=2 Though it's in German I trust you find most of it understanable! http://enduronet.baboons.de/img/gall...3379616511.jpg http://enduronet.baboons.de/img/gall...3s15384059.jpg [This message has been edited by onlycookie (edited 24 October 2002).] |
when this bike hits the showrooms, how can anyone consider a monstrosity like the 1150GS?
------------------ dave |
Easy - take one look at the seat!
Going on previous experience, close look at the KTM etc, imho the 1150Gs will win for the high mileage mostly pavement (and especially two-up) folks, the KTM will win for those who are more off-road solo. There will be plenty of crossover of course. There are - a few - people two-up on 640KTM rtw - whereas some folk with the same bike will tell you they're crazy to do that. Depends a lot on physical size of the rider / passenger too. There was a guy 6' 7" and 240 pounds if I recall right looking for a bike on one list, and the 1150 would be perfect for him - well, maybe a bit cramped... All depends on what you want. At least now there will be a viable alternative! ------------------ Grant Johnson Seek, and ye shall find. ------------------------ One world, Two wheels. www.HorizonsUnlimited.com |
I'm just wondering when are these great bikes going to be for sale in the USA and how much are they gonna be sold for. Any ideas?
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I have sent that same question to KTM Austria's guestbook on their website and they have refused to print it. I asked when are they coming and are both models... I sent it on two different weeks and it was never published. I have heard from some good USA sources: May '03.
Allen. |
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Anyway, I got mine ordered and am getting one end march... can't wait... http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/biggrin.gif
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That is one fine looking motorcycle...the seat probably comes up to my chin though!
Id love to buy a KTM for a next bike but its quite worrying when you hear of all the problems. I just dont know.. |
"all the problems" ???
There aren't that many, are they? Anyway, the bike is coming to the market at the end of March... can't wait to get one. (And blackjack, it's not that high - 860mm for the silver version and 916 for the orange one...) |
As posted in equipping the bike --->
Presumably KTM has launched (ok, it will launch in a month or so) a very very interesting piece of equipment... Side paniers made of hard and durable plastic, which -- check this out -- INCLUDE A DOUBLE-WALL, creating a three-litre water reservoir in each panier (or better said in the whole panier wall). Now THAT IS WHAT I CALL A GENIOUS IDEA... (source: a journalist that attended a presentation and test ride-weekend in Malaga/Spain couple of days ago) Otherwise, the guy says that the bike, especially the non-S version (lower one, silver color only for now) has won the hearts of all the journalists... you gotta be extremely good off-road driver to handle the orange one off-the road... the seat is presumably wide enough to do long distance rides aswell, and it rides crazy... very gentle up to 6.000rpm and than it goes crazy after that... I just hope everything will be as said http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/biggrin.gif (well, even if just half of it is true it still wins my heart and soul)... getting mine in 5 weeks... :P :P |
Does this thing have kick starter?
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Nope, also the LC4 doesn't have it anymore...
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My dealer confirmed today that my 950S will be delivered in April, he has been unable to obtain prices for the panniers, tank bag etc from the importer. He rode both bikes, 950 and 950S at the dealer launch in Spain and reckons it's as quick as a Jap 600, the silver one handled better on road due to lower suspension but the orange one (IMO the better looking one) was better off road - so long as you have long legs! Although the seat height is lower than a Duke the seat is wide which makes footing a little more difficult. Will comment further when I get the bike.
------------------ "restricted to 132bhp" |
Me too... I have ridden it yesterday for about an hour, great great great handling... nice and linear torque, powerful feeling...
Can't wait to get handy on MY bike (this was a test one)... In 14 days... Will comment... |
Well Guys, it's here, sat on it in the dealers showroom yesterday, it's BIG, could only just get my toes on the ground both sides, but I'm not going to be riding it with my feet on the ground! The sad part is that I shan't be able to ride it until next Saturday as I am away on business next week. Will report back to you all when I have ridden it around the Isle of Man TT Course!
------------------ "restricted to 132bhp" |
Well, I've ridden it but, now that it's two years late, I have a few major gripes:
- why two fuel fillers? - awful design - why such a small tank? - it should be 30 litres. It was smooth but i was expecting the wieght of a Highlander (but with KTM reliability): http://www.highland.se/home/index.htm ------------------ Jerome http://www.fowb.co.uk |
The two tank fillers should be to give both tanks complete autonomy from each other, this way if you crash and smash one you´ll still be able to carry on with the second.
[This message has been edited by Pedro Rocha (edited 13 May 2003).] |
I took the orange beast out for a spin on monday....and yes its tall, but hey its fun.It is perfectly balanced , amazingly responsive and is definately my next bike.The gear box is so slick , everything feels right and i couldnt believe how easy it feels to ride.....it feels "light" and a doddle to manouvre.I have nothing bad to say about it....but another ride has to be arranged soon.
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Hmm, how many times have you fallen off and broken the fuel tank? If the tank's buggered I think the rider would be in a worse state.
Sounds like a salesman talking to me http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif Imho it should have been designed properly in the first place, especially as it's two years late. ------------------ Jerome http://www.fowb.co.uk |
Sat in one tonight at the Sydney Bike Show. It was the orange "S" model. Couldn't topuch the ground. Will have to go for the grey model. Looks great IMHO, but still mi8ght opt for the 640, lighter, better fuel range and a proven thing. Plus on the 03 you can have side and centre stand which makes it much easier for my 173cm.
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Well Guys,
Finally got the 950S on Thursday, yes it's big, in fact it's enormous, I was concerned when I first sat on it that the height would be a problem but once I had ridden it all those fears evaporated, the height isn't a problem provided you are aware of it when you come to a stop and simply slide sideways on the seat and get your foot flat on the floor. (I'm a six footer by the way) On the move the bike is perfectly balanced, as with this type of bike the wide bars allow you to throw the machine around with confidence and the tyres are certainly up to the job. I was somewhat dissappointed at the front brake (for road use) which needs a fair bit of pressure to achieve results, two fingers are adequate but it did not compare to the fantastic brakes on the Duc 749 I rode last week but then as the 950 is a "dirt bike" I guess fierce stoppers are a distinct disadvantage off road. The windscreen directs air straight at your helmet but this problem will depend on your height, ear plugs definitely recommended. The seat is wide and comfortable - I rode for about two hours non stop with no problem, riding position fine, instruments clear and easy to read, plenty of room for the pillion passenger too. Useful little storage space on top of the tank and bigger storage bin under the seat, it will take a security chain or disc lock easily. I have had the optional centre stand fitted and it's easy to get the bike up on it and it's fairly unobtrusive, certainly a necessity in the event of a puncture. I am impressed by the finish, the plastics are not unlike KTM's dirt bike panels and appear durable, I wonder if they will be as cheap to replace or are they going to be similarly priced as road bike plastics. The metallic orange is interesting, when the light catches it, it has a green sparkle and changes with the light, I like it, the colour scheme is good and certainly easier on the eye than typical Japanese "track suit" graphics. I don't understand the gripes about the twin fuel fillers, I like them, they look quite trick but I do agree that better fuel capacity would be desirable but the bike is big already, enlarging the tank to make it take say another 10 litres, well what do you think? So how did it go around the TT course? well bearing in mind that it still only has 150 miles on the clock, the three Honda 600 CBR's I came upon at Ballacraine traffic lights certainly got a shock when the "dirt bike" passed them (only on the corners) going up through the Glen Helen section, the machine carries it's weight low and is so flickable and confidence inspiring that changes of direction come easy and in perfect safety, V2 engine braking means that simply rolling off the throttle is sufficient to check the corner entry speed before rolling back on the gas and feeling that twin thump the power back in from about 4,000 rpm. Bearing in mind that I'm taking it easy until the newness wears off, I'm not exceeding 5,000 rpm (when I can remember) which equates to 85mph in top gear, can't wait to get a few more miles on the clock and open it up a bit more. The gearbox is really slick although the clutch feels a bit spongy - may need bleeding, but there was a clutch recall before I even got my hands on the bike. Apparently the clutch basket has a reinforcing band around it, which the factory advised to be checked, on checking at PDI it was found to be loose, the replacement isn't due for 6-8 weeks so they have removed the band for the time being (as recommended) with instructions not to abuse the clutch i.e. no wheelies or do-nuts etc My dealer tells me I am one of the few to get the 950 now as the factory have told him he won't get any more until November, if anyone has any questions about the bike I will be pleased to answer them, for those of you who may be coming to the Island during TT Fortnight, look out for me and say Hi, I will be the only 950 with Manx plates. ------------------ "restricted to 132bhp" |
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Bye Pietro ------------------ Pietro Tosetti (KTM EGS 640 Adventure R 2001 "PRIS") & Patrizia Coari (Honda Dominator 650 "Brontolo") Milano - GFC 23 & 24 - EChM 499 <A HREF="http://www.pitpat.it A" TARGET=_blank>http://www.pitpat.it A</A> volte un atteggiamento rigido e' conseguenza di una paralisi. |
Ok, maybe it is useful to you but if it was a good idea wouldn't (imvho) there be more bikes with dual fillers - how many others are there?
Imagine you are KTM's marketing Department planning to really grow sales volumes by breaking into road bikes. This is your first 'proper' bike to compete with Honda, BMW etc. It was announced in 2001 and is finally being sold in 2003 two years late and promptly gets recalled for a clutch problem with deliveries delayed for six months. Either the part was never tested or designed properly. I know it's been reported as a 'manufacturing fault' but (1) if it was a design fault would you, as KTM, say so? and (2) if it's your first move into a completely new area then it must be right first time so the testing was inadequate. I'm having a go at KTM not the bike. Furthermore, I've just ordered another 640R which, for the month of May, was offered with a free off road holiday in France and £1,000 discount the list price. I ordered it on Thursday 15th and was told by my dealer on 17th that the holiday offer was rescinded from Monday 19th. A truly professional way to run a company. KTM make great bikes but perhaps the management skills need some improvement. ------------------ Jerome http://www.fowb.co.uk |
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Bye Pietro [This message has been edited by badwolf (edited 04 June 2003).] |
if the 950 is too tall for you look into a lowering link, I would doubt anyone makes one at this point but companies like www.emig-racing.com make them for the LC4. others may follow for your 950
re no wheelies, with 95hp, 400 some lbs you wont need the clutch, twist that throttle! Sounds like a fun bike, good on ya! |
Are KTM going to sell the 950 in the USA? Will it be the same spec as the European bikes? What sort of cost variation is there across Europe and the States?
Iain (Possible Africa Twin defector...!) |
Are ther any other reviews from riders that have purchased the 950 adventurer? Pro's? Cons? Complaints? Problems? Or are they really that good that everyone who owns one is out riding? Now that they have been out in Eroupe what is the response?
------------------ Rocket |
Had a test ride on a silver version in April coutesy of Windy Corner. Cracking bike but noticed the following:
1. I weigh about 80kg fully kitted and the rear shock hardly moved under my weight, despite being on minimum preload. 2. I'm 1.80m / 5'10" tall & just managed to get both feet half on the ground. A softer spring would sort out points 1 & 2. 3. The engine was incredibly revvy, felt like a sports bike, acceleration through the gears was exceptional (I've also had various GSX-R's & FZR's for the past 12 years). This bike is more than capable of catching out sports bikes on paved roads. 4. Despite having a 21" front wheel, cornering at speed(45mph) round an unknown roundabout felt good. None of the vague & floppy steering you get with some bikes. 5. Although the top speed is about the same as an 1150GS, the 950 probably needs to rev at least 1,000 to 1,500 higher to reach 130mph i.e. quite a peaky engine. 6. I'm very inexperienced off road but can't help wondering how the peaky nature of the engine dictates your style of riding off road - perhaps you need to be a better rider off road on the KTM than you would on a GS in identical conditions? 7. The quality of all components looked very good. The twin fuel tanks looked to provide easy access to the engine. I've never owned a KTM and have no idea how their workshop prices, service levels and general customer back up compares to other marque's? 8. I would love the low version in orange but not the current metallic orange, slightly reminiscent of a 70's Dodgem car. Steve |
yeah its a nice bike,too bad it's a bloody rip off!
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Thanks for the info Steve! I would assume that you did'nt notice much vibration since you did not metion anything? Have you purchased one? I guess every one else is out ridding their's. Or the bike has taken all the talk out of the nay sayers? It does seem pricey if your comparing to jap dirt bike's but to a GS or other comprable bikes it doesn't seem so bad. Is ther any one else who has one have anything to say? I'm trying to justify buying one without riding it first and being new to the market.
------------------ Rocket |
No, I've not bought one. I've never had a new bike in over 19 years on the road. On a brand new model such as this, I personnally would wait up to a year to check out reliability issues. You only have to look back at some recent jap bikes to see a lot of recalls?
I have a choice of selling my R80GS Paralever and buying a second hand 1150GS or selling my GSX-R1100 as well and buying a newish but second hand KTM. Most of my riding is on the road. The 1150GS is good but not excitingin the same way that the KTM is, despite having a similar top speed - they are very different machines in may respects. I carry out all my own servicing, including the GSX-R. I know I could service an 1150GS with the exception of the fuel infection tuning. Lookin at the heads on the KTM, I assume that it has shim under bucket valve clearances. Slightly more difficult but made a little easier by the chain & gear driven cams a la TL1000. I don't remember any real vibrations, the mirrors vibed slightly but nothing really noticeable. With all those revs, I doubt if it's as smooth as the 1150 Adventure I rode recently? I have yet to see one on the road, let alone manage to speak to someone who's clocked up a few miles. Anybody able to shed light on KTM dealers in the UK re: customer service etc? Steve |
Thanks Steve Great info!
I wish I practiced what the two of us preach about buying bikes. I always end up with a new one. Spending way more than I need too, I was hoping to replace my dr650 with the ktm. I need more get up and go. The dr is good at eveything, but not great for what I use it for. (touring) I rode it round trip from san diego to the arctic circle last year. The bike worked great but I felt like it needed more. I have dirt bikes for the dirt and a ducati ss for going fast in the back country and track days. I'm hoping the 950 adventurer will better what I have. I would also want to hear what others that have some miles on the bike. |
Hey Guys,
All you gotta do is ask and I'll tell you all you need to know, I've had my 950S since mid May and have over 2500 miles on it now. |
Oh, go on then DucatiMan, tell us all about it then...! (Have you taken it off the island yet?)
Iain (Possible Africa Twin convert) |
Have a look at my initial posting on 16th May 2003 about the 950s on this thread.
The bike simply gets better and better, I changed the standard cans for the optional Akrapovics which were considerably lighter and certainly noisier, the sound is good and not unlike a Ducati, made a difference to the performance too. I also bought the tank bag and panniers (plastic - not ally) they are huge and excellent quality, only problem is they make it even harder to swing your leg over the bike and believe me it is difficult enough with the height anyway. Handling and braking are really good for a bike of this type and I am able to keep up with or embarass most average sports bike riders (and I'm an old bastard!) mid range is as good as anything I've come across but it starts to run out of breath at about 125mph, I've seen 128 on the digital readout on the mountain, steering starts getting a bit vague at that speed and can be quite hairy in side winds. As regards the handling, I'm amazed given the suspension and tyres fitted that this bike handles so good, like I said I can stay with sports bikes in the twisty bits, no problem. Have you seen the pics on the German web site of the 950's that have been super motard-ed and fitted with 17" rubber, don't whether to try it or not. Yes, been off the Island on a long weekend to Scotalnd, did all those Loch Lomond, Inverary, Inver Cock a Leekie, Glencoe roads etc. absolutely brilliant, this is the type of road that the 950 was built for, quick enough for A roads, nimble enough for B roads and off road enough for tracks. Did 900 odd miles in 4 days, which wasn't too bad, only problem - my arse hurt at the end of the trip, I really have to do something about the seat this winter. Other than that I cannot fault this bike in any way. The most fun is when you stuff some guy on a Hayabusa or the like on some twisty bits, he catches up when you stop and says "what the hell is that!" and you reply " oh just an old enduro bike!" ------------------ "restricted to 132bhp" |
Thanks Iain, for provoking ducattiman. That's the type of info I was wanting.
Anyone else out there had their 950 out for some miles. I would like to read your thoughts also. So far it sounds (all positive comments)like all I need is for the bikes to show up in the USA and some cash. |
Are you able to provide the website address or a link to the German 950 Supermoto's?
As soon as I saw the 950 at Windy Corner I thought this. Thanks Steve |
Sure, here is the address for the 950 Supermotard website
http://www.braumandl.com/adventure.html what do you all think, worth doing or wait for the 950 Duke? |
Hi Folks,
Ive had my 950 for 3 weeks and just come back from a 4 day, 750 mile blast up to North west Scotland. Got to agree with ducatiman about the seat, soft to touch but after Day 3 a real sore point. Possibly a sheepskin cover soon. I felt that 6th gear is "tall" for cruisin at 60mph, its feels like the engines labouring. On the motorway its great plenty of grunt. Cant fault the handling on the twisty tracks i was riding but i felt that the Pirelli Scorpions that are fitted are a bit twitchy going over white road markings and tar lines. I would possibly fit Trialwings (if they do a size for this model) Im using KTM metal pannier frames with Ortlieb throw over panniers and ortlieb bag and found slight handlebar shake between 44 and 48 mph (havent checked tyre pressure)no problem though. This is my two pennies worth, i think its a great bike and wouldnt change it (well maybe for the Dakar version). Ian |
Thanks IanW. Has any one done any off road? If so I would like to hear about it! Sounds like the KTM seat continues it's reputation.:-(
------------------ Rocket |
Still no off road comments? I Was hoping to hear that someone. Who not afraid to get thier new on/OFF road bike dirty?
If any one has gone off road my queations are: Hows the weight distribution feel? Does it take long to get use to the weight? How did the bike handle in single track, sand, gravel ect.? Thanks for any input. ------------------ Rocket |
Although I’m pretty sure it was somewhat modified, the 950 prototypes won the Paris Dakar rally twice. The bike was more powerful than the LC4 and gained the lead in the long stretches, it was more difficult and less maneuverable otherwise. However that’s not to say that you’re riding an elephant, the bike is much more maneuverable than any other twin cylinder out there. At least that’s what I hear and can confirm only by reading the numbers on the KTM website.
------------------ A.B. OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara. ShortWheelbase.com – Jeep preparations. |
Rocket Ron,
I sent a reply but something didn't work. So lets try again today. I only have 650 miles on my S, but 150 is in the dirt. I own numerous rally bikes and this stocker is by far the best. It actually feels like a single underway and especially in the dirt. Haven't had a chance for sand or mud yet, but on gravel up to golf ball size it is unreal and I was running high pressures in the stock tires(A/T's). Weight distribution is very balanced front to rear, and with the extreme low C of G, the bike handles hard pack like it was on pavement. I was on a rough 2-track the other day for about 30 miles and was on the pegs hanging over the windshield. I looked down and was doing 75 MPH. Thought I was at 50 at the most. It is the same on pavement, you are always going faster than you think and you get there as fast as a 916. I will switch to Karoos soon, as I will be in Baja to try some sand. I should mention I usually ride two-up. |
Allen,
Thank You very much for that. It was what I was hopping to hear! Let me know when you are going to Baja. Northern Baja is a normal riding spot for us. Mostley between Tecate and Laguna Hansen (Romona's for gas if you know the area!) for day rides and Mike's Sky Ranch, San Felipe 2-3 times per year and always pre run the 1000 corse in November. It would be interesting to see how the bike would do with mostly 400 dirt bikes of all makes. If you were willing? From my experience on a DR 650 and a DRZ 400 the big bike's will beat you! I'm sure you allresdy know this though. If you were to go 2 up the Los compadres hwy is always fun and challinging. (All un maintained dirt.) Please keep me informed as you try new dirt with the bike. Thank you again. It sound like every thing I've been hoping for! Anyone else with other off road rides on this bike? ------------------ Rocket |
I hope I didn't kill this string? Any and all comments are apperciated!!
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I guess I did Kill the string! Now I know why! I finely got to go on a short demo ride last Saturday. (silver model) The orange models will not be here untill spring. Yes, it is every thing that has been written and then some!!:-) I don't think I would want to ride it in deep sand with a bunch of whoops or tight single track. Not that the bike couldn't do it with alot of work, I'm getting to old to beat myself up that way.
The seat is alot better than I excpected! But it's not a GS seat. Compared to ny DR 650 & 400 seat it's not that bad! Thanks everyone for all the info and putting up with my request. One more request for opinions and comments regarding the 950: Plastic or Aluminum stock panniers and why? Ron ------------------ Rocket |
Ron,
I'll help keep your thread alive too. Go to www.jesseluggage.com and you'll see my S with the prototype bags on. Yes, I got to trade plastic. Al Jesse is just this week(9/9/03) finishing the production versions. I have used most brands and have flattened several other brands(blown over in Patagonia). In China this Spring I was T-boned by a friend by accident, and the Jesse bag smashed to the wall. It was straightened locally and no problems. When I returned Al sent up a new bag and it fit right in place. This is testimate to the strength of his design for not only his bags but the frame design. This accident was at a high speed. They are 34" wide compared to 42" minimum of others, and they hold 50% more(light items of course!!!). Allen. PS the bike is still performing well especially in the dirt. |
I actually saw the page and pictures a few days ago. I wondered how they did that so fast?
I do like the Idea of being able to carry extra water with the plastic bags. What do others think abot that? I don't mean to change the subject from KTM in this forum but did jesse bags fix the complaints? (See the gear forum this site.) ------------------ Rocket |
I'll be replacing my '02 GS ADV with the KTM. Here's a thread on another site with a comparison of the two:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...threadid=24724 |
Thanks for the info! Great write up! I'll keep up with that site also.
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...KTM 950 Adventure owners beware if you get a puncture.
950's use tubes in a tubeless tyre ( because of the spoked rim's ). This means that if you are unlucky enough to get a puncture, it is almost impossible to do a roadside repair. You will need to break the tubeless tyres bead and have access to a very high pressure air compressor. A normal garage forecourt compressor won't pop the tubeless tyres bead back onto the rim. A tubeless tyre repair kit won't help either, as to fix the puncture you'll need to repair the tube. It is worth ordering a centre stand with your 950, as without it, it's nearly impossible to get the wheels off. |
Try using soap and water,WD-40 or just riding on the tire to get the bead back in place. I have always used just one of these tricks to make it work.
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Rocket Ron, will you be purchasing your KTM at Rocket Motorcycles in San Diego, just off of Morena Blvd?
A nice enough shoppe, to be sure. The Toad favours the Triumph Tiger, but alas, both of these other wise excellent mounts are shod with inferior tube type wheels. Good luck getting the rear off of the KTM. From what I have read, 'tis nigh on impossible with out the aid of a motorcycle shop. It is unconscionable that manufacturers are too cheap to fit proper wheels to such powerful (and expensive!) bikes. A flat with tubes can be disasterous. Unlike the superior tube less wheels (also known initially as "safety wheels"), tubed wheels lose air instantly. Not good. Would you have tubed wheels on your car? Of course not. I may yet test ride this bike, but most likely I will avoid it. I could not ride it for any distance with out being haunted by the spectre of being stranded by a tiny nail. I just do not understand the thinking behind the use of these archaic wheels. Other than the sheer beauty of a spoked rim and their inherent resilience to pot holes, what have they to offer. Spoked wheels in tube less flavours are offered by other manufacturers... By the way, my current motorbike runs on tubes, and yes, I do not care for it, but it was what I could afford. I can afford a KTM or Triumph, but I am having difficulty justifying their (for lack of a better term) cheapness as regards wheels. I looked into having my rims sealed, but determined it was utterly unsafe (for me). The Lord be with you. The Toad http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/biggrin.gif |
Toad,
Yes, I will be buying the bike from Mark and Lance at Rocket. They are great guy's and friends of mine! (That's not how I got my nick name.) As far as the tire having tubes in it. I think you solved your own delima. The KTM is an off road bike made for the street. If you ride it off road then you need the spoked rims for that inheret pot hole. I have seen none spoked rims tried in the dirt and broken. Then wondered why it broke. The hit was not that bad. (To bad your 50 miles from the closest road.) I have scene spoked rims bent and repaired on the trail with hits that I wondered how the rim survived. When a spoked rim is damaged beyoned fixing you know why. I would be more worried about not having the thickest tubes one could get inside the tire. Beemers patended spoked rims have problems if you dent the outside lip in a pot hole or on a rock. You can't just pound them staight enough to get back on the trail/road again. There are several solutions to the tubed tire tire problem if there is a problem. 1) Carry the right tools to break the bead. 2) Get new rims and don't go off road. 3) Buy differnt tires. 4) Maybe this is the wrong bike for your style. If you are buying the bike for just a road bike see #2. In my mind tires would never be a reason not to buy a mortorcycle of any kind. It is to easy to change them. Tires are also a personal choice. Not every one likes the same tire for thier type of riding. The manufacture's put good tires on the bike and the best rims for what the bike was made for. They could of put a cheeper tire on so that it would be easier to get off. then the conversation would be why did they go so cheep? Or they could put tube less rims on and the conversation would be how can you take these off road and trust them. It may not be the best way but it is a good compromise. Do these rims have rim locks? I'm not sure if they do, But maybe the tube less tires are to keep the tires from spinning without using rim locks and saving weight? I have had more experience than I care to remember fixing or replacing tubes in the middle of no where. The only times it was a problem, was when I was unprepaired. A flat is always a hassel. Don't worry about the tires! That is easy to change! If the bike is for you! I may be wrong but I think you can get a Tiger with tube less rims.(?) ------------------ Rocket |
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